Despite the crisis, the month of December was positive for many
Brazilian fashion retailers, according to the Brazilian Association of
Textile Retail (ABVTEX, in the original acronym) which represents around 90
prominent fashion brands, including C&A, Zara, Hering, Forever 21, Dafiti
Group, Netshoes and Marisa. A surprising 62 percent of ABVTEX’s members
reported an increase in sales in December 2018, compared to the same month
the previous year.

To ABVTEX’s Managing Director, Edmundo Lima, the positive results are
surprising not only because of the crisis, but also because this year’s
Black Friday was a success, which would lead one to think December sales
wouldn't be as good. “80 percent of our members reported a sales increase
in November because of Black Friday, compared to 2017. This means most
consumers did their Christmas shopping around that weekend. However, the
fact more than half of our members still registered a sales increase in
December is extremely positive”, he told FashionUnited in an email.

While the association avoids making predictions, Lima believes the
Brazilian consumer is growing more and more confident, which should have a
positive impact on fashion sales in 2019. “Even so, the unemployment rate
and the increase in family expenses in the beginning of the year should be
taken into account”.